MIKAEL MCKENZIE
Lucas Pouille will meet Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open semi-finals and the Frenchman is drawing inspiration from Roger Federer’s exit.
Pouille beat in-form Milos Raonic to reach his maiden Grand Slam semi-final this morning. Djokovic then followed it up with a victory against Kei Nishikori, who retired injured midway through the second set.
Federer was one of the favourites to win the Australian Open until he suffered a shock defeat to Stefanos Tsitsipas in the fourth round.
“I think everybody can beat anybody now,” Pouille said. “Even though the best are still the best – Djokovic, Rafa, Roger, they are still dominating tennis – but No room for politicking, Mr president ….as Eagles hand Tuskers seven-wicket defeat Lucas Pouille takes on Novak Djokovic more and more players are coming up. “I think that’s great for the game.”
Tsitsipas faces world No 2 Rafael Nadal in the other semi-final. And Pouille is not surprised to see his sparing partner shining on one of the biggest stages of them all.
“Well, it shows that a new generation is coming up,” Pouille added.
“It’s funny, because we practised a lot together with Stefanos in Dubai during the pre-season.
“We made a lot of long sessions, three, four hours on the court together. Every time we were going out of the practice, we were saying, ‘Wow, he’s playing well, he’s into it’. “So I’m not surprised he got this result.” Nadal will take on Tsitsipas today, while Djokovic entertains Pouille tomorrow.
